ITB Asia gets strength from numbers
The third ITB Asia at Suntec Singapore closed with 6,605 attendees, a 7.4 percent increase on last year – but organiser Messe Berlin (Singapore) has some concerns about the impact of fluctuating exchange rates on the show’s bottom line.
As with other trade shows, exhibitors are charged in US dollars, while expenses are largely in Singapore dollars.
Nevertheless, Messe Berlin vice president, Martin Buck, expects ITB Asia – now in its third year and committed to another three years in Singapore – to return a small profit.
Messe Berlin (Singapore), attributed growth to three forces: resurgent Asian outbound demand, enhanced buyer quality and the diversity of specialist travel forums within ITB Asia – including travel technology, aviation, luxury travel, responsible travel and Association Day events.
The various events were linked under the umbrella of Singapore Tourism Board’s TravelRave banner.
Dr Buck said that although comparisons were made between ITB Asia and PATA Travel Mart, there were obvious differences between the two.
“In contrast to the PATA Travel Mart, ITB Asia stays in one location and now has a very large MICE component.
“ITB Asia is also very much about serious business networking while PTM is more a wine and dine experience,†Dr Buck added.
Ian Jarrett
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